Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav along with a delegation of the Naga Mothers’ Association at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on June 17. (Photo Courtesy: NMA)
Kohima, June 18 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has urged Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, to immediately intervene in a series of cases involving violence against girls and women in the State.
A delegation of the NMA, led by President Vilanuo Angela Yhome and comprising Vice President Sawmi Leyri, Advisors Padma Shri Sano Vamuzo, Abeni TCK and Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on June 17 and submitted its concerns regarding several cases that it said require urgent attention and justice.
Among the issues raised was the sexual violence case involving a minor girl in Dimapur, in which three persons have been arrested.
The NMA stated that the case has generated widespread public concern and called for a thorough investigation, justice for the victim, and appropriate rehabilitation.
The delegation also highlighted allegations of sexual harassment against senior IAS officer Reny Wilfred, expressing concern over what it described as an “inordinate delay in action,” which has resulted in further harassment of victims, as most of the complainants have lost their jobs after their contractual services were not extended while pursuing justice.
“Loss of livelihood in the midst of seeking justice reveals the suffering these young women professionals have gone through,” it asserted.
The delays in the case had allowed an officer facing an ongoing rape trial in Noklak to continue in service, leading to continued harassment of women employees and legal action against members of the Nagaland State Commission for Women, it added, while seeking the Governor’s intervention in the matter.
The NMA further referred to unresolved cases, including the Pimla murder case and the killing of college student Vihozonuo Zao in Kohima.
The NMA alleged that forensic evidence in the cases had not been adequately pursued and noted that the police investigations had come under public scrutiny. It also sought the Governor’s intervention in the matter.
The association also raised concerns over the lack of progress in a case involving death threats issued against one of its advisors and other women who had advocated for women’s reservation.
It stated that the granting of bail to the accused shortly after the incident reflected inadequacies in the investigation process.
Meanwhile, the association also drew the Governor’s attention to the killing of six Naga civilian hostages in the Khonsakhul area, allegedly by armed Kuki cadres.
It appealed for the intervention of both the Governor and the President of India and sought the arrest and punishment of those responsible in accordance with the law.
In a press release, the NMA informed that the meeting concluded with the Governor assuring the delegation that he would look into these cases of violence.
